Liverpool boss Iraola urges Isak to raise his level

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola called upon striker Alexander Isak to elevate his performance following the club's narrow 1-0 victory against Bournemouth on Sunday. Isak contributed to the win by scoring his fourth Premier League goal of the season in the 57th minute at the Vitality Stadium. Injuries and a decline in form had limited Isak's goal tally to just three during the 2025-26 campaign after his high-profile £125 million (US$167 million) transfer from Newcastle.

Despite the recent success, Iraola remains unsatisfied with Isak's overall level, urging the Swedish forward to contribute more consistently. Iraola highlighted Isak's recent opportunities, noting that the striker faced challenges in hitting proper crosses and maintaining control of the ball. To improve, Iraola emphasized the need for Isak to press higher up the pitch, engage in the opposition's half, and maintain possession when playing.

The manager's expectations for Isak come amid Liverpool's recent struggles to impose themselves early in matches, a weakness Iraola acknowledged after the Bournemouth game.